Dundalk captures jobs with Chinese imaging firm

21-05-2008

by Bryan Collins

Forty new jobs are being created in Dundalk by Chinese infrared technology company SATIR, which is to set up its European headquarters in the area.

SATIR is a Chinese thermal imaging company, established in 1989, that develops, produces and markets infrared cameras for industrial and commercial activities.

"I am pleased to welcome SATIR to Ireland as the first IDA-supported Chinese company to locate here and also the first company to manufacture infrared cameras here," said Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Mary Coughlan. "Today's announcement is novel and a breakthrough for IDA's efforts in Shanghai. I am confident that this is the beginning of a fruitful and successful partnership with the Chinese business community to match the best of Irish capabilities and talents to the needs of Chinese investors."

The Dundalk operation -- SAT Europe -- will supply the EMEA market. It will also manage the marketing, finance and after-sales service for the company. The operation will employ 40 staff, primarily qualified in the electronics sector, over five years. The company has already taken on four of these staff.

"In 2006, IDA Ireland established an office in Shanghai to unlock a gateway for Chinese companies to expand and develop their businesses in Europe. Ireland has consistently proven to be the preferred location in Europe for global companies successfully serving the fast growing European market," said Coughlan.

The IDA told ENN that it is currently marketing Ireland as a prime location to major Chinese companies and is in touch with them on a regular basis. The organisation also said it expects more Chinese firms to set up here over the coming months.

"We will be in talks with the major Chinese companies. There are some more to come on track. It is only a new emerging market for us. It will come on, in time. Ireland is a perfect location for them, as a gateway to Europe. We would market that quite heavily," said a spokesperson for the IDA.

"We chose Dundalk over other locations in Europe as it best suits our skills and infrastructure requirements," said Jiping Wu, board chairman of SATIR. "SAT Europe will take control of the existing distribution channels that SATIR has already established in Europe. The Irish operation will better serve existing customers and grow our customer base in EMEA. It will also allow us to build higher specification cameras for EMEA and US markets. We are confident that the Irish operation will act as the springboard for further EMEA success and expansion."